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Notes on Case Analysis

David Robinson, September 2008

Business school cases are quite long and complicated. We study cases not so much to find the right

answer, but to train ourselves in systematic analysis so we will be effective decision makers in the

business world. Successful case preparation depends on multiple readings of the case and multiple

points of view.

Multiple Readings of the Case

If you attempt to analyze a case by pulling an “all-nighter” (waiting until the last minute, spend

hours poring over the case and going line by line looking for insights) you will be overwhelmed. You

should plan for multiple readings of the case over several days, complemented by group meetings

and discussion.

Multiple Points of View

Even if you are preparing to write an individual brief, you should plan to discuss a case with a study

group. You’ll notice that in business the major consulting firms always assign a team of people to

each client, not just their single best industry expert. The reason for this is that no one person is

likely to comprehend all the problems a firm faces. No two individuals are likely to have the same

insights, but the combined wisdom of a team is likely to come up with a fairly comprehensive

analysis.

First Reading of the Case

You should read the case first on your own—if you meet with your study group and open the case

book and say, “OK, what’s this about?” there is every likelihood that your team will degenerate into

“group think” (one person comes up with a plausible solution and everyone else concurs in a false

consensus without challenging either the analysis or solution).

In your first reading, read through the whole case quickly and try to get some sense of the following:

1. How is this industry organized (e.g. fragmented, a few dominant players; strong buyer

power or producers have the upper hand)?

2. In general, how is the firm doing? What is going well and what less well?

3. How would we describe the current situation?

Notes On Case Analysis